LATE LONGBALL, LOBBAN LIFT JACKALS TO 1-0 WIN

Augusta, NJ – An eighth-inning home run by left fielder Jacob Butler backed up seven shutout innings by starter Ryan Lobban as the New Jersey Jackals defeated the Sussex Skyhawks 1-0 on Friday night in front of 4,089 fans at Skylands Park.

Lobban (1-1) turned in his best start of the season as he earned the win, allowing four hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

The game remained scoreless until Butler lifted a solo homer to left center with two outs against Sussex reliever Jared Locke, who took the loss.
After Isaac Pavlik chipped in a perfect eighth inning in relief, Jackals closer Romas Hicks put the tying and go-ahead runs aboard with no outs in the ninth, but later in the frame second baseman Joe Persichina grounded into a game-ending double play to end the threat.

The Jackals have now won five of their last six contests.

The Jackals (8-7) and Skyhawks (6-7) continue their three-game weekend series on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends right-hander Chris Allen (0-1, 4.38 ERA) to the mound for his third start of the season against Sussex southpaw Jeff Icenogle (1-0, 1.64 ERA). Cody Chrusciel has the live call on the Jackals webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.